Russian Frigate Tracked Through English Channel

Royal Navy ships have been keeping close watch on Russian vessels, including frigate RFN Admiral Golovoko, as they sail through U.K. waters.

As per a recent press statement, Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans was despatched from her base in Plymouth to monitor RFN Admiral Golovoko as the frigate sailed east through the English Channel.

She also used her embarked Merlin helicopter to watch from the skies, before handing over escorting duties to NATO allies as Golovoko continued her journey.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Mersey tracked corvette RFN Soobrazitelny as she sailed west, with Russian tanker Kola monitored as she headed in the same direction.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidesurge was also activated to support the shadowing operations. The Royal Navy said HMS St Albans had also tracked another Russian corvette, RFA, Stoikiy, in British waters across three days two weeks ago.

HMS St Albans Commanding Officer Commander Matt Teare commented: “HMS St Albans is at very high readiness to operate whenever, and wherever, the nation needs us in the protection of our home and the waters surrounding it.

“We have twice been activated in recent weeks to conduct this type of operation and I am extremely proud of the professionalism of my crew and their tireless dedication to keeping our nation safe.”

• You can read more details on the Royal Navy website